What is Ergonomics?

It is the study of the workplace. Its purpose is to study people in their work environment and make determinations of whether the worker is using his/her work space in the most efficient manner and without risk of injury. REM is available to assiste with a wide varity of ergonomic concerns including office, laboratory, industrial, and training.

Injuries that can be attributed to poor ergonomic setup often start with minor pain and discomfort, but may have the potential to become more serious. Early ergonomic intervention can reduce the potential risk of injury. Some early warnings of potential injury associated with improper work space setup are:

Purdue University's Ergonomics Program

Developed in 1995, its purpose is to provide the means for university employees to be educated on the effects of ergonomics in their work space and be evaluated (if necessary) to identify any risk factors that are or could lead to injuries. If changes are required in the work space, REM has limited funding to assist in purchasing equipment to correct the deficiencies. Typical purchases might include:

Keyboard Trays and connecting hardware

Wrist Rests and Mouser Rests

Monitor Platforms

Document Holders

Glare Screens

Footrests

Chairs

Arm Pads

Laboratory Items

In addition to the services provided by REM, a cross-functional team has been formed with members from the Design Studio/Purchasing, Planning and Engineering, Facilities Services, and REM. Its purpose is to specify equipment and furniture that the University will provide for new facilities and renovations.

For more information concerning ergonomics or to set up a training session please contact REM.

Ergonomics Assessment Request

Submit an Ergonomics Questionnaire. Confirmation that REM received your questionnaire will be sent via email. If you do not receive confirmation within a week, either call REM at 46371 or resubmit your questionnaire.

An on-site assessment will be scheduled when REM receives the questionnaire.

The assessment will be followed-up with an Ergonomic Recommendation Form containing an itemized price list of equipment recommended for purchase.

Return a copy of the Ergonomic Recommendation Form with an authorized signature, date, and account number to REM. In addition, forward a copy to your departmental business office. It is the employee's department's responsibility to order the recommended equipment.

REM will transfer the 50% it pays to the department's account via intramural voucher monthly.

Funding of equipment will be in a 50/50 partnership with departments. Installation of ergonomic equipment and labor costs incurred (keyboard slides, etc.) will be the responsibility of departments through their respective Zone Maintenance personnel. Because REM funding is limited, ergonomic equipment purchases are made on a first-come first-serve basis at the discretion of the REM representative performing the evaluation.

Ergonomic Computer Workstations

“There is no single “correct” posture or arrangement of components that will fit everyone. However, there are basic design goals.”- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Many people can solve their own computer work station ergonomic problems by properly adjusting their existing chair, keyboard, and monitor so they will have a neutral working posture while working. Follow this procedure below to ensure a neutral working posture is maintained while at a computer work station:

﻿Neutral Working Posture

1. Chair Adjustment:

Adjust the chair height so the feet are flat on the floor. The thighs should level or slightly pointed down to the knees. There should be no pressure points on the back of the thigh. Sit up straight allowing the natural curve of the spine to contour to the lumbar support of the chair. This posture will put the body in the proper position to use the computer.

2. Keyboard Height Adjustment:

Let the arms hang naturally at the sides and bring the forearms up until they are parallel with the floor. With the hands extending naturally from the wrists, move up to the keyboard, the hands should lay naturally on the keys. This is the proper keying position. The wrists should not bend in, out, up, or down, but should maintain a straight line from the top of the forearm across the back of the hand. Do not rest the wrists on the sharp edge of the work station surface while keying.

3. Monitor Distance and Height Adjustment:

Sitting in the keying position, set the distance to the monitor screen at arm's length (this can vary depending on the user's visual acuity). The height of the monitor should be where the eyes look naturally at the top 1/3 of the screen when the head is held level. If the user wears bi or trifocals, the monitor will usually be positioned at a lower level so the user does not have to tilt the head up to view the screen.

Ergonomic Chair Adjustments

Keyboard and Mouse Setup

Use wrist rests and maintain good postures.Do not bend or twist your wrist when using the keyboard or mouse. Do not tilt keyboard upward.A keyboard tray may be needed if the work surface or chair cannot be properly adjusted.

DO

DON'T

Monitor Setup

Keep a good viewing distance and height: Adjust the height if possible or use a monitor stand if needed. Viewing distance should be 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm) from the screen depending on visual acuity. When looking straight ahead, you should be focused in the upper 1/3 of the screen.

Foot Rest Setup

When the desk surface is too high, you may need to use a footrest to support the feet. Keeep the thighs resting evenly on the seat pan.

Document Holder Setup

Place a document holder between the monitor and the keyboard to avoid twisting the neck, shoulder, and body.

Laptop Workstation Setup

Use a laptop stand to hold the laptop and connect to keyboard to maintain appropriate working postures.

Q01: What is involved in an ergonomic assessment? A01: A Safety Specialist comes to the employee’s workspace and evaluates how everything is set up in relation to the employee. Work habits are observed in terms of height, distance, and repetitive motion. Other factors, such as lighting, noise, and equipment are taken into consideration. The representative suggests changes and improvements with explanations throughout the process. Any equipment recommended is listed on a recommendation form sent to the employee after the assessment. It is the responsibility of the department to order the equipment and send proof to REM to be reimbursed 50% of the cost. REM recommends limited ergonomic office equipment, such as keyboard trays, monitor risers, footrests, etc. Furniture is not included.

Q02: How do I get the process started? A02: Submit an Ergonomic Questionnaire. A confirmation will be sent within 48 hours of receipt of the questionnaire. After the form is assigned to a Safety Specialist, the Specialist contacts the employee to set up an appointment for the assessment.

Q03: I just want a new chair. Why do I have to go through an assessment process? A03: Departments may order chairs through the Purchasing Department but they MUST be ergonomic chairs designated in cooperation with REM and Purchasing. The assessment process is helpful in many ways, however, and can also help you understand why ergonomic chairs and equipment are beneficial.

Q04: Why do the chairs cost so much? A04: A good quality chair retails for well over $1,200. Purdue is eligible for GSA pricing which cuts the cost considerably, usually around 50%. The chairs are made from quality materials that stand up to long term use. Part of the contract Purdue negotiates with vendors includes excellent warranties. A good chair will last an average of 10-12 years and when you pro-rate the cost over that time period, the cost is less than $100 per year. The chairs sold at places like Office Max, Staples, and Walmart have fewer adjustments on average and are made from cheaper materials. They generally do not last longer than two years before breaking down.

Q05: If I change jobs at the University, can I take my chair with me? A05: The department has a financial investment in the chair and it is up to them to decide if they want to let the employee take a chair to a new position within the University. They can ask the new department for financial compensation and the two departments work out the cost based on the age and type of chair involved. The department is not obligated to permit the employee to take the chair with them.

Q06: My office space is tiny so I need a tiny chair. Can you provide it for me? A06: The base of the chair is the same on all chairs. As far as seat width and depth, it needs to be adequate for the user. A large person sitting in a tiny chair will be uncomfortable and develop compensating behaviors, such as bad posture, sitting hunched over, or sitting in a twisted position in an effort to be more comfortable but that usually leads to physical pain in the long term. Arm rests are recommended on chairs but in small spaces, they often bump into the desk and other equipment. In those cases, removing the arms often opens up a bit of space.

Q07: What is involved in a chair fitting? Do you take measurements of my body and custom-manufacture the chair for me? A07: No measurements are taken and no chairs are custom-made for anyone. Chairs are ready made in approximately three sizes. The majority of the population fits into the average size chair. There are also chairs for the very petite and chairs for large and tall employees. The employee is taken to a room where chairs are stored and then guided to sit in two or three appropriate for their build. Adjustments are made in each chair until the employee feels most comfortable. If available, more chairs may be adjusted. After sitting in all adjusted chairs, the employee picks the one that feels most comfortable to them. Once the chair is selected, a fabric is chosen. The employee will also be able to see other recommended equipment while in the room, such as copy holders, footrests, keyboard trays, etc.

Q08: We’re moving to a new building and my boss told me to call you for a new chair. Can you provide it for me? A08: REM does not fund chairs for new buildings or renovations. The cost of furniture and equipment should be in the planning budget of that building or renovation. Departments are also responsible for replacing worn out chairs and providing chairs for new positions. REM only funds chairs in existing positions where the existing chair is not suitable for the employee

Q09: I’ve had my chair about a month now and I don’t like it anymore. Can I trade it in? A09: The vendors do not take returns unless the chair is flawed when received. REM does not have the resources to store and manage chair inventory so typically we do not take chairs back. In some cases, if the chair can be used by someone else in the department, we will allow another chair recommendation for the employee but the department pays again for a new chair.

Q10: My chair is filthy! Who can I get to clean it? A10: Cleaning is the responsibility of the department/individual. A water based upholstery cleaner works on most fabrics. Vacuuming the chairs periodically helps keep dust and lint in control. The base and arms can be wiped down with water based cleaners also. Check casters for dust, lint, and hair.

Q11: My chair just arrived and something is broken. Who takes care of it? A11: The vendor should be contacted immediately. They will give instructions on how to proceed, whether it is in returning a chair or asking for a replacement part.

Q12: I’ve had my chair for many years now and it keeps sliding down so I feel like I’m sitting on the floor. How can I get it fixed? What kind of warranty is on my chair? A12: Chair cylinders do fail and usually have a lifetime warranty for replacement but the warranty and process varies from vendor to vendor. Contact Deb Walkerat (765) 494-8668, or email her at dswalker@purdue.edu to check on the warranty. She will need all of the chair information which should be on a label underneath the seat pan. All chair issues should be reported to Judy and she will check on the warranty status.

Q13: Why shouldn't I have our maintenance department repair my chair? A13: The chair is under warranty and should be repaired under warranty until the warranty no longer applies. Sometimes when it is repaired by someone other than the vendor, it negates the warranty.

Q14: I don’t do a lot of computer work at my desk. Why do I need a keyboard tray? A14: Keyboard trays allow the worker to adjust the height and tilt of the keyboard which is very important in long term use. If the employee only spends 15 minutes a day checking email, they can probably get by without one. The use of a keyboard tray is recommended but not mandated. It is to the user’s benefit to have one.

Q15: What are the advantages of a footrest? A15: A footrest is a posture aid. An employee is more likely to keep his/her feet on the floor instead of crossing at the knees or sitting on a foot when they have a comfortable place to put their feet that allows them to move around at the same time. For an extremely short person, it can allow them to sit a little higher than normal. Employees recovering from surgery involving the lower extremities often need to have their feet elevated to reduce swelling.

Q16: I don’t do transcription so I don’t need a copyholder. Why can’t I just place my reference materials on my desktop? A16: Copy holders are not just for transcription. Anyone referring to books or paperwork in their composition of a document online should have those materials close to eye level. When papers are on the desktop, the employee tends to lean forward and crane their neck, which leads to shoulder and neck discomfort. The eyes also refocus every time they look from a lower flat surface up to eye level which contributes to eye fatigue at the end of the day. A good copyholder should be flexible enough to place where needed at an angle suitable for the work and should be able to be put away when not in use.

Q17: I mostly use books for reference. Isn’t a copyholder too flimsy to hold a book? A17: There are copy holders designed to hold books, large and small, as well as binders.

Q18: My doctor told me to get a specific type of equipment but I don’t see it in our office supplies catalog. How can I buy it? A18: Fill out the questionnaire form on our website for an assessment. During the assessment, we can talk about the equipment suggested by your doctor. We have some computer mice available for loan so that an employee can try it out before buying. If a doctor recommends a specific piece of office equipment in writing, in most cases REM will fund 50% of the cost. If a doctor just says “ergonomic”, we will help you find what works for you.

Q19: I want to get a specific kind of mouse. Can you provide it for me? A19: We loan computer mice out for two weeks which is usually long enough to get the feel of it and find out if it works for the employee. Once a compatible mouse is found, REM will recommend it as part of an ergonomic assessment. Employees can also check with their computer support to see what is available.

Q20: I want an ergonomic keyboard. Can you provide it for me? A20: REM does not fund keyboards except as prescribed by a physician. Studies do not support that “natural” shape keyboards are more ergonomic overall than standard keyboards. However, it does depend on the individual, the type of work done, and the overall office set up. Most of the time placement of the keyboard is the most important factor.

﻿Laboratory Ergonomics

Many laboratory tasks require repetitive motions which can cause cumulative trauma to the body. Tasks like pipetting, weighing samples, and using microscopes for long periods of time can cause physical stress, pain, and injury. Even compiling data at a computer could pose potential physical health problems. The following areas of the body may be affected by repetitive motions when done without proper ergonomics considerations:

Shoulders

Wrists

Neck

Back

Legs

The following sections provide information that will help you to maintain proper ergonomic working conditions while you are working in the laboratory.

Bench Considerations

Height

Bench height should be a prime consideration. General work can be done at the normal bench height of about 36 inches. During precision work, the bench height should be raised to prevent straining of the back, neck, and shoulders. Seating the body in order to bring the workspace closer to the worker is a common solution. Adjustable height workbenches are also available in some cases.

Reach

Items should also be placed within 18 inches reach and turntables can be provided to store common materials like pipettes and tips to prevent overreaching causing muscular stress.

Kneehole

Kneeholes (the open areas under lab benches) should be clear of material to allow the worker to sit at the bench to perform precision work. Bench cut-outs could be added to allow the worker closer access to the bench and materials.

﻿Pipetting

For multiple pipetting tasks, use larger muscles and keep the wrist as straight as possible. Larger muscles have the ability to do more work than smaller ones. When pipetting at an angle, maneuver the arm from the shoulder rather than the wrist. Remember to take short breaks to allow your muscles time to relax between measurements. When pipetting, try to do the following:

Keep your back as straight as possible

Make movements from the shoulders, not from the wrist

Ensure the pipette plunger motion is smooth to reduce strain on hand and thumb muscles

Use electronic pipettes

Use multi-channel pipettes for microtiter plate applications

Use thin-walled tips when possible to reduce the force needed to eject tips

﻿Microscopy

Long periods of microscope use can cause strain on the back, neck, and shoulders. Many microscope set-ups require the user to lean forward to reach the objective lens. To reduce strain and muscle fatigue:

Sit straight in chair and keep your back as straight as possible

Minimize neck bending by using angled microscope stands where possible

Keep feet flat on the floor

When leaning is necessary to view the objective, angle the torso forward to minimize bending at the neck

Written Ergonomic Chair Adjustments

Body Bilt Adjustments

Seat Depth Adjustments: Paddle shaped lever under the left side of the seat near the front. Lift to move seat forward or backward. Release to lock position.

Seat Height Adjustments: Middle lever under the right side of the seat immediately beneath the right armrest support. To raise seat or lower seat, lift ever. Lift the lever with full body weight on the seat to lowers it to lowest position. Release lever to lock position.

Seat Tilt Adjustments: Front lever under the right side of the seat. Lift lever to adjust tilt. Push lever down to lock position.

Backrest Height Adjustments: Grip backrest and lift upward to raise it incrementally. To return the backrest to the lowest position, raise it to maximum height and lower it.

Backrest Tilt Adjustments: Rear lever under the right side of the seat. Lift lever to adjust tilt. Push lever down to lock position.

Lumbar Adjustments: Small rubber bulb pump on the right backside of the backrest. Press to inflate or depress button either on top or below the bulb to deflate.

Armrests Adjustments:

Lift the tab under the armrest to lower or raise it. Release to lock position.

To pivot armrest laterally around support lift and turn. Release to lock position.

Neutral Posture Adjustments

Seat Depth Adjustments: Paddle shaped lever under the left side of seat near the rear parallel to floor. Lift to move seat forward or backward. Release to lock position.

Seat Height Adjustments: Middle lever under the right side of the seat immediately beneath the right armrest support. To raise seat or lower seat, lift ever. Lift the lever with full body weight on the seat to lowers it to lowest position. Release lever to lock position.

Seat Tilt Adjustments: Front lever under the right side of the seat. Lift lever to adjust tilt. Push lever down to lock position.

Backrest Height Adjustments: Grip backrest and lift upward to raise it incrementally. To return the backrest to the lowest position, raise it to maximum height and lower it.

Backrest Tilt Adjustments: Rear lever under the right side of the seat. Lift lever to adjust tilt. Push lever down to lock position.

Lumbar Adjustments: Small rubber bulb pump on the right backside of the backrest. Press to inflate or depress button the bulb to deflate.

For Neutral Posture chairs with a lever on the right side under backrest instead of a pump, move the lever up and down to inflate the bladder. Push the lever completely down to deflate bladder.

Armrests Adjustments:

To lower or raise the armrest press button on the armrest support. Release to lock position.

Steelcase Adjustments

Seat Depth Adjustments: Lever under the left side of seat near the front. Lift to move seat forward or backward. Release to lock position.

Seat Height Adjustments: Flat lever under the right side of the seat. Lift the lever to raise seat or lower the seat. Lifting the lever with full body weight on the seat lowers it to its lowest position. Release lever to lock position.

Lumbar Adjustments: Small plastic tabs behind the backrest on both sides. Adjust using both hands to raise or lower support.

Turning a large round knob found on the right side of the chair behind the arm rest controls firmness.

Armrests Adjustments:

To lower or raise the armrest press button on the armrest support. Release to lock position.

The armrest pad does not require a button, lever, or tab to be moved into different lateral positions.

Zody Adjustments

Seat Depth Adjustments: Large tab under the left side of seat near the front. Pull the tab outward to move seat forward or backward. Release the tab to lock position.

Seat Height Adjustments: Tab under the right side of the seat near the front. To raise seat or lower seat, lift tab. Lift the tab with full body weight on the seat to lower it to lowest position. Release tab to lock position.

Seat Tilt Adjustments: Lever in front of small crank under the right side of the seat. Lift lever to adjust seat tilt. Push lever down to lock position.